Tax Evasion Lawyers in Pontiac
In Michigan "tax evasion" is the crime of failing to pay the taxes that they owe.
There are a few strategies that tax evaders use in Pontiac, Michigan. One of the most common tactics is to make it appear that the taxpayer has less taxable income than they actually do. There are a wide variety of ways to conceal income for the purpose of evading one's tax liability, but all of them are illegal.
"Tax evasion" should be distinguished from "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is the illegal act of trying to hide one's tax liability. Tax avoidance, on the other hand, is perfectly legal, and simply involves using the tax laws strategically, to reduce one's actual tax liability as much as possible.
Penalties for Tax Evasion in Pontiac, Michigan
The laws of the federal government, as well as Michigan take tax evasion very seriously, making it a crime.
In Pontiac, the punishments for tax evasion can range from a court order to pay back taxes, plus a small fine, and range all the way up to fines in the tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars, and imprisonment.
Typically, a first offense of tax evasion, if the amount of tax evaded is relatively small, will not result in jail time or massive fines. This is especially the case if the government has trouble proving that the failure to pay taxes was the result of purposeful evasion, as opposed to an honest error in accounting.
However, if the relevant tax authorities are able to demonstrate that a taxpayer in Pontiac, Michigan committed purposeful fraud, in order to evade their legal duty to pay taxes, a tax court is probably going to impose a more severe penalty, which may include jail time, and large financial penalties.
A Pontiac, Michigan Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
Attorneys in Pontiac, Michigan who practice tax law can help you stay in compliance with your tax obligations. This is a good way to ensure that you won't be suspected of tax evasion in the first place.
Of course, if you've actually been accused of tax evasion, you should contact a Pontiac, Michigan tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.